Contents

Section 4: Conclusion

4.1 It should be emphasised that the recommendations of this
scoping exercise speak to an important fact of all marches and
parades in Scotland, including those organised by the Loyal Orders
and by Irish Republican organisations. That fact is that such
marches and parades are generally characterised by the professional
approach taken by the three key parties involved (the parading
organisation, the local authority, and Police Scotland). The vast
majority of these marches and parades are well-organised, have
undergone tried and tested processes of notification and
negotiation, and pass off in a peaceful and orderly fashion. Most
recommendations, therefore, have the ambition to fine tune a system
that, by and large, works very well indeed.

4.2 There are however, important recommendations relating to the
current ambiguity and uncertainty relating to Temporary Traffic
Regulation Orders (
TTROs). This
uncertainty is corrosive of the good relations and trust built up
between parading organisations, local authorities and Police
Scotland - but also has implications for all marches and parades.
Good relations and trust - built through dialogue and through good
experiences and fulfilled promises (from all sides) on the ground -
is essential to the continued positive experiences around marches
and parades in Scotland. It is also essential to the long term
reduction of public anxiety and concern around marches and
parades.

4.3 Finally, one concern of public agencies in Scotland has long
been that there are "too many" marches and parades in Scotland, and
a reduction in their number would necessarily reduce the burden on
local authority and police resources, and reduce the impact and
inconvenience experienced by local communities. If there is to be a
long term reduction in the number of marches and parades, then this
will be achieved through good relations and continued dialogue. It
is to those issues that I would most direct the attention of the
Scottish Government.